The best walks and hikes around Launceston

Yes, Launceston has several areas where you can walk with your dog. A popular spot is Heritage Forest, which offers plenty of open space and walking tracks for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy.

For a gentle and scenic walk suitable for the whole family, the trails within Cataract Gorge Reserve are an excellent choice. The main Cataract Walk is sealed and offers great views. Another option is the short, well-maintained loop at Notley Fern Gorge State Reserve, which is perfect for a quick nature outing.

The region around Launceston is home to several beautiful waterfalls accessible by trail. Liffey Falls is a well-known destination with a track that takes you through rainforest to a series of stunning cascades. For a different experience, Holwell Gorge also features trails that lead to waterfalls.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the region offers strenuous climbs with rewarding views. The hike to the summit of Mount Arthur is a demanding option that involves steep sections and rock scrambling, but offers panoramic vistas on a clear day. For an alpine experience, the summit track to Legges Tor in Ben Lomond National Park is another excellent choice for seasoned hikers.

Cataract Gorge Reserve, located very close to the city, offers a surprising variety of trails. You can take the easy, paved Cataract Walk along the cliff face, complete the First Basin Loop, or tackle the more strenuous Duck Reach Trail which leads to a historic power station. There are also steeper tracks like the Zig Zag trail for a more vigorous workout.

Many trails in the Launceston area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same spot without retracing your steps. The Lezant Church loop from Treburley is a pleasant, easy circular walk. For a slightly longer but still moderate option, the Launceston Castle loop from Launceston provides a great circular route combining town and riverside paths.

You'll find several hikes that are perfect for a half-day adventure. The Great Hall loop from Launceston is a short and rewarding option that can be completed in under two hours. For a slightly longer walk, the trails in the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area offer multiple routes that can easily fill a morning or afternoon.

Ben Lomond National Park offers a true alpine hiking experience about an hour from Launceston. The landscape is dramatic, with dolerite columns and unique alpine plants. The drive up includes the steep, winding Jacobs Ladder road. Trails can be exposed and subject to rapid weather changes, so be prepared with appropriate gear. For park-specific alerts and conditions, it's wise to check the official Parks Tasmania website.

There are over 20 designated hiking routes to explore around Launceston on komoot. These range from easy, short walks perfect for an afternoon stroll to more moderate all-day hikes, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.

The hiking routes around Launceston are well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the diversity of the scenery, from the dramatic, city-adjacent Cataract Gorge to the serene woodlands and river paths of the wider Tamar Valley. The accessibility of beautiful natural landscapes so close to the city is a frequently mentioned highlight.

Yes, the majority of local walks, such as those in Cataract Gorge Reserve, Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area, and Heritage Forest, are free to access. However, entry fees apply for access to Tasmania's National Parks, including Ben Lomond National Park, so you will need a valid parks pass for hikes located within its boundaries.